Cubic boron arsenide, which handles heat ten times better than silicon, could become the new king of semiconductors, especially in electric vehicles. Despite silicon’s ubiquity as a semiconductor material, it has two weaknesses: its lack of accommodation for electrical particles called “holes” and its poor heat capacity. It’s already being replaced in EV semiconductors by the more heat-conducive silicon carbide, despite being less accommodating to holes. Cubic boron arsenide doesn’t have these weaknesses, so it could easily replace both of these materials once scientists learn how to produce it reliably. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
